LOG File Extension

What is LOG file?

LOG is text file used for storing various process logs. Log file can be generated by operating system or applications. Logs can store various information about given process, including but not limited to errors. What information is written to log files is a design choice. A special instance of LOG file is Error Log file, which stores informations about process errors.

What do log files contain

Entries in LOG files are divided into 3 categories:

• Error – the process or part of the process encountered an event that prevented it from executing its routines,
• Warning – the process or part of the process encountered a problem, but it did not prevent it from executing it routines,
• Information – some information pertaining to the execution of given process.

Log files can store such informations as history of changes, users logged in the system, or resource access history. Logs can be exported to other file formats for further processing and statistics and reports generation.

Programs which support LOG file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with LOG files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. LOG files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 01/29/2023

How to open file with LOG extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening LOG files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with LOG files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with LOG files.

Step 1. Download and install Windows Notepad

Problems with opening and working with LOG files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with LOG files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Windows Notepad or one to the listed programs: Text editor, PSPad, NotePad++ text editor. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Windows Notepad installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Windows Notepad

If you already have Windows Notepad installed on your systems and LOG files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why LOG files are not compatible with Windows Notepad. The latest version of Windows Notepad should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Windows Notepad to LOG files

After installing Windows Notepad (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open LOG files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the LOG with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Windows Notepad installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open LOG files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the LOG file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Windows Notepad and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with LOG extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the LOG is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper LOG file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the LOG file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the LOG file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the LOG file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the LOG file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the LOG file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic LOG file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with LOG extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Windows Notepad

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with LOG extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Log Format files. It may be the case that the LOG files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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